VA Awards $126K for R&D Services to Boston University Trustees
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $126,050 ($126.0K)
Contractor: Trustees of Boston University
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2024-09-01
End Date: 2026-08-31
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $173/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02118
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $126,049.97 to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY for work described as: RESEARCH SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Boston University Trustees selected for their expertise in the specified R&D field. 3. Potential risk associated with a sole-source award, requiring careful justification. 4. Spending falls within the broad R&D sector, with specific sub-category focus.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $126,049.97 award for research services appears reasonable for a specialized R&D contract of this duration. Benchmarking against similar university research contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may not yield the best value for taxpayers without strong justification for the lack of competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about maximizing taxpayer value, though the specialized nature of the research may necessitate a specific awardee.
Public Impact
Veterans' health research may be advanced through this specialized R&D effort. Academic institutions contribute significantly to government research initiatives. Transparency in sole-source justifications is crucial for public trust.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for higher cost due to sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Award to established academic institution
- Focus on critical R&D area
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is critical for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
This award was made to an academic institution, not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting opportunities within this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award, oversight should focus on the justification for non-competition and the contractor's performance against the research objectives. The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for ensuring accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
- Potential for cost overruns without competitive pressure.
- Research outcomes may not be fully realized.
- Limited transparency in the procurement process.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-veterans-affairs, ma, purchase-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $126,049.97 to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY. RESEARCH SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $126,049.97.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-01. End: 2026-08-31.
What is the specific research objective and how does it align with VA priorities?
The contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While the specific objective isn't detailed, it likely supports VA's mission to improve veteran healthcare and well-being through scientific advancement. Further details on the project's scope and expected outcomes would clarify its alignment with VA's strategic research goals.
What is the justification for awarding this contract sole-source?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or urgent needs that only a specific entity can fulfill. For this contract, the Trustees of Boston University likely possess unique expertise or proprietary research relevant to the VA's specific R&D requirements, making competition impractical or detrimental to the research timeline.
How will the effectiveness of the research be measured and ensured?
The effectiveness of the research will be measured through defined milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements outlined in the contract. The VA's program officials will monitor progress and assess the quality and impact of the research outcomes against the stated objectives. Periodic reviews and final evaluations will determine the overall success and value of the research investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1 SILBER WAY, BOSTON, MA, 02215
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $126,050
Exercised Options: $126,050
Current Obligation: $126,050
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-01
Current End Date: 2026-08-31
Potential End Date: 2026-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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